NUTRITION EDUCATION PROGRAMS

The Pompea Smith Good Cooking/ Buena Cocina Nutrition Education Program’s (PSGC) mission is to nourish and foster community enrichment, in which individuals from the community inform the programs we offer.

Our nutrition programs aim to empower individuals of all ages to confidently make healthy changes through practical skill-building activities and interactive learning. Our programs showcase simple and culturally relevant recipes that reinforce key nutrition messages. 

We specialize in providing our communities with fun and hands-on cooking, nutrition, and physical activity classes at our network of certified farmers’ markets and partnerships with parks, schools, youth enrichment programs, healthcare clinics, and other community-led organizations. We also provide multi-disciplinary educational video series for schools and youth programs throughout Los Angeles County.

Our programs incorporate many aspects of our food system by exposing participants to seasonal, regionally grown produce and the farmers who grow them. Participants also have opportunities to learn about cost-saving benefits programs available at certified farmers' markets like Market Match. This holistic approach enables us to provide our communities with the knowledge and skills necessary. Our PSBC programs are provided in-person or in digital formats via YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.

We currently offer free nutrition education programming to communities in South/Central Los Angeles through the CalFresh Healthy Living Program and the Peak of Season Nutrition Education and Culinary Program. Adult and youth programming is also offered across Los Angeles County on a sliding scale basis. Check out our Nutrition Program FAQ page for more information, or learn about our different programs by clicking on the links below.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter for nutrition and cooking class reminders here. 

Stay connected on all our social media platforms!

Volunteer with our Nutrition Team

Are you looking to volunteer with our Nutrition Team? Click the button below to complete our volunteer form and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

Host a Nutrition Demonstration

Bring our Good Cooking/Buena Cocina Program to your Community! Fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can to schedule a visit.

VISIT OUR CALENDAR PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR CLASS OFFERINGS.

All classes and events are FREE to attend and no RSVP is needed to participate. Contact us to be updated on our upcoming class schedule.

  • “I've learned to make more nutritious foods and found out that it actually tastes good.”

    Central Avenue Farmers Market Participant

  • “I learned to cook healthier and to be better. [The classes] help me to be better physically and to share recipes with my son.”

    Central Avenue Farmers Market Participant

  • “I've made many changes in my daily life because of what I’ve learned thanks to the wonderful staff who motivate me to live healthier [...] progress like never before and many of my friends have even made comments about my “Healthier” appearance.”

    Raphael Santillan, Central Avenue Farmers Market

  • "The program was amazing; I learned that eating healthy is a lifestyle I should make. I am thankful for everything. I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart.”

    Cindy Ortiz, Parent Center

  • “Nutrition classes helped me to make right choices in regards to shopping more veggies and fruits than meats and dairy products.

    Narina Kazarian, Parent Center

  • “There was a reason I kept coming back week after week. I want to thank you for teaching me how to read the labels because now when I go to the store I know how to tell what’s good for me and what isn’t."

    Darryl Turner, MLK Campus Farmers Market

  • "I never liked green beans or red peppers [but after learning about stir fry] I had to convert! It’s helpful to have different things to cook that are not only healthy but also very good. I’m very happy that I was introduced to something new by coming to your class.”

    Andres Lara, Watts Willowbrook Farmers Market